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The extended Memorial Day weekend will wrap up today, and it’s not only the unofficial kick-off to summer, but it’s also a time for reflection and to pay tribute to the men and women who sacrificed everything to protect our nation’s freedoms.

We’re spending the weekend artificially inseminating the last group of heifers and moving some final pairs to summer pasture. From there, I’m headed to speak at the Beef Improvement Federation in Athens, Ga., so needless to say, I’m looking for quick, easy and tasty beef meals to prepare for my family this week.

Whether you’re home on the ranch or making a quick getaway, beef is always a great meal of choice.

While ranchers certainly don’t need any convincing to grill steaks this weekend, the blog Girls Can Grill lists three reasons why consumers should fire up the grill-- flavor, budget and health.

Check out the blog here and pass it along on social media to encourage others to add steak to the menu more frequently this summer.

As we wrap up this holiday weekend with burgers and steaks, don’t forget to vote for your favorite photo in the “For the love and livestock” photo contest. Voting will end at noon on May 30, and we’ll announce the winners on May 31.